Walnut cake is a timeless dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts with the soft, moist texture of cake. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a friend’s birthday, or just a cozy evening at home. Below, I’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious walnut cake step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- All-purpose flour: 200 grams
- Granulated sugar: 150 grams
- Baking powder: 1.5 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 0.5 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 0.5 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
- Milk: 120 milliliters
- Vegetable oil: 80 milliliters
- Eggs: 2 (medium-sized)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped walnuts: 100 grams
For the Walnut Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 100 grams (softened)
- Powdered sugar: 250 grams
- Chopped walnuts: 50 grams (for texture)
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons (optional, for thinning)
- Vanilla extract: 0.5 teaspoon
- Salt: a pinch (optional, to taste)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking pan (9-inch round or equivalent)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt until well combined. This mixture will provide the structure and leavening for your cake.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until well combined. This will create a moist base for your cake. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
Fold in Walnuts: Using a spatula, gently fold the chopped walnuts into the cake batter until evenly distributed. The walnuts will add texture and a nutty flavor to your cake.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Bake the Cake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and should spring back to the touch when lightly pressed.
Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake and invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Peel off the parchment paper if you used it.
Prepare the Walnut Frosting
Beat Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. This will help create a fluffy frosting.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, beating on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat for about 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Add Walnuts and Flavorings: Beat in the chopped walnuts, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using) until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate or cake stand. Using an offset spatula, spread the walnut frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. You can add extra chopped walnuts on top for decoration, if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Walnut Cake
Toast the Walnuts: To enhance the nutty flavor of your cake, toast the chopped walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before adding them to the batter or frosting.
Measure Flour Correctly: To ensure accurate measurement, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour into the measuring cup, as this can result in too much flour and a denser cake.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the ingredients mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mixing too much can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in a denser, less tender cake.
Store Properly: Store your walnut cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
Conclusion
Making a walnut cake may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert that will impress your friends and family. The rich, nutty flavor of the walnuts pairs perfectly with the soft, moist texture of the cake, and the walnut frosting adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, a walnut cake is a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a delicious walnut cake that everyone will love. Enjoy!
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